Yes, bacteria can cause disease. Many types of bacteria are pathogenic, meaning they can cause illness. These bacteria produce toxins or directly damage cells, leading to a wide range of diseases.
Types of Bacterial Diseases
Several examples illustrate the diverse illnesses caused by bacteria:
- Strep throat: Caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. [Source: healthdirect.gov.au, Cleveland Clinic]
- Tuberculosis (TB): Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. [Source: healthdirect.gov.au, Cleveland Clinic, IMB UQ]
- Staph skin infections: Caused by Staphylococcus aureus. [Source: healthdirect.gov.au]
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Often caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli). [Source: healthdirect.gov.au, IMB UQ]
- Bloodstream infections: Caused by various bacteria. [Source: healthdirect.gov.au]
- Meningococcal disease: Caused by Neisseria meningitidis. [Source: CDC]
- Q fever: Caused by Coxiella burnetii. [Source: healthdirect.gov.au]
- Whooping cough (pertussis): Caused by Bordetella pertussis. [Source: healthdirect.gov.au]
- Legionnaires' disease: A severe form of pneumonia caused by bacteria living in water sources. [Source: Mayo Clinic]
- Pneumonia: Can be caused by various bacteria. [Source: IMB UQ]
- Wound infections: Caused by various bacteria. [Source: IMB UQ]
- Foodborne illnesses: Several bacteria, including E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and Clostridium perfringens, can cause food poisoning. [Source: FoodSafety.gov]
While most coliform bacteria are harmless, some strains of E. coli, such as O157:H7, can cause serious illness. [Source: NY State Department of Health] Many disease-causing bacteria produce toxins that damage cells and make people sick. [Source: Mayo Clinic] Bacterial infections can spread through respiratory droplets, direct contact, or contaminated food and water. [Source: MedlinePlus]
Bacterial infections can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, lungs, brain, and blood. [Source: Cleveland Clinic]
